[LUBAEK] Reveal Yourself 6~7
Chapter 6: Baekhyun's Side
“Luhan hates me and I’m scared how he doesn’t show it at all.”
“He never asks me for any favour. I’ve always been guilty about not giving him something in return.”
“I don’t want to lose Lu Han.”
Those were just a few things that Baekhyun told Lu Han. He thought that it’s better if the involved party sort it out themselves.
And instead of Yixing’s tears being caused by Baekhyun, it was Lu Han’s fault?
At the beginning, what the younger boy had in mind was to ask about things he knows about about Lu Han. He wanted to find out why he turned into a two-faced person. It turns out that Yixing noticed it too but continued to act the same.
‘Yixing-ah knew about it?’
“Next thing I know he’s already pouring his life story on me.” Baekhyun was surfing through the channels on TV as he recalled the happening. “You made Mr. Yixing cry a lot, you know.”
Lu Han still hasn’t uttered a word; different things crowding his mind at the moment.
“And since I’m your kind and cute patient, I’m gonna help you out!”
The older’s head snapped towards his patient’s direction and stared widely. “What sort of trouble are you getting me into now?”
Baekhyun switches off the TV and faces the other with resolve. “You will fix your issues with Yixing whether you like it or not.”
“I don’t have any issues.” He insisted.
“I won’t drink my medicine if you don’t listen to me.”
“I won’t listen to you if you don’t drink your medicine.”
They’re at a standstill, neither of them wanting to back down. Every cell of their body is showing how stubborn they are. Eventually, it became a staring and pouting contest.
Baekhyun is the first to close his eyes.
Victory!
“Ha! I win. Medicine. Now.”
“No you didn’t.” He wouldn’t be called Baekhyun if he didn’t have a trick or two up his sleeves. Thinking ahead is crucial.
A knock on the door interrupted the two. Lu Han glared at the boy in disbelief.
‘You called him?!’
‘You lose! You can’t do anything about it.’
‘But you blinked!’
‘It wasn’t even a staring contest!’
It was quite a sight to see them arguing in whispered voices with their arms flailing and using their eyes to communicate. Baekhyun stuck his tongue out and ran for the door.
“Heya Yixing-ah!” He gave him a meaningful pat and a warm smile. “Make this count.” He made sure only the other nurse heard it before running off to who-knows-where.
Thanks to Baekhyun (not really), Lu Han is stuck in this very awkward situation. This is what he’s been avoiding his whole life! A freaking confrontation!
Lu Han feels really uncomfortable and he knows his friend feels the same way.
“It looks like my patient got to you, huh?” The atmosphere is still tense. “You don’t have to mind him. I’ll escort you back to the station…”
The other man gulped and after a strong breath, looked Lu Han straight in the eye.
“I want to talk to you,”
It’s now Lu Han’s turn to feel a lump in his throat. Should he fear for the worst?
“…the real you.”
Lu Han didn’t know what to do. He had kept his true nature for a long time and opening up now won’t be some walk in the park.
‘What if Yixing gets angry at me? What if I hurt his feelings?’
These questions looped inside his mind and it shocks him that he was actually worried about this.
Maybe he wasn’t as indifferent and uncaring as he thought he was.
After strengthening his resolve, he finally agreed. Lu Han suggested they talk outside the hospital as it would be convenient for him and honestly, the image of two male nurses having a sincere heart-to-heart talk in a VIP’s room is strange.
Oh boy, this is gonna be a long day.
Killing two birds with one stone.
Baekhyun finally understands that idiom after all those years. Not only did he get out of his horribly boring room, he also gets to fix people’s problems!
Believe it or not, Baekhyun has taken a liking to Lu Han and this whole ‘piss-him-off-to-reveal-his-true-self’ scheme is just an old habit. Just like the saying-Baekhyun proudly remembers, old habits die hard.
Back when he was young, his dad would always be away on a business trip and having lost a mother didn’t help fill his longing. The two of them haven’t talked in a long time but once his father caught word of his humiliating “F” in an exam, he became furious and scolded Baekhyun for being a bad child.
The memories were so vivid, he can almost feel like it only happened yesterday. His father yelled at him for around ten minutes, the longest time they have ever conversed in about a year after his mom’s death. Well, almost, since the conversation was one-sided and all Baekhyun did was to be on the receiving end.
It didn’t bother or traumatize him though. In fact, he felt really happy more than anything else. He finally noticed me, his past self thought. It was a serious situation and he should have reflected on his mistake yet, he couldn’t help the urge to do it again.
He concluded that the more he did badly, the more people would pay attention to him. You could say he’s an attention-whore but at least it beats a dreadful caged life.
To add to the reason for his naughty attitude, other wealthy businessmen would send their sons or daughters to their place in hopes of securing a connection with him or his dad’s money.
It was so glaringly obvious that they were all a bunch of suck-ups and it would be Baekhyun’s pleasure to give them a hell of a time dealing with him.
Since then, it became his habit to do it to anyone; to their butlers, maids, company employees, anyone! He has embraced a life of troublemaking and he didn’t care what others would think of him.
He has a few exceptions, of course.
Being this his first time to set foot outside the hospital annex, Baekhyun has no idea where to start his adventure. Should he bother the nurses? Or maybe go outside the hospital? He bets no one knows who he is anyway so there shouldn’t be a commotion or anything.
After crossing the bridge between the buildings, Baekhyun catches a glimpse of a red-headed man heading out the large rotating doors. He strongly feels the person is someone he knows but as far as he’s concerned, he has no relatives or friends currently in Beijing. And if there is, they should’ve come to visit him in his room!
“Hey-” Before he could attempt to call the redhead, a tall figure blocks his way. Irritation was his initial reaction but it soon dissipated when he saw who it was.
“Hey, Baekhyun.” A set of white dents greeted him and it sent chills down his spine.
The shorter man unintentionally steps away from him. “Creep.” But that, he intended to say. He walks past him but the other clearly has other plans.
“What? Why are you running away? I haven’t done anything yet.” The man grabbed Baekhyun by the arm and he refrained himself from shouting there and then. The man’s grip was strong, even with his Hapkido prowess, he couldn’t shake him off.
“I’m Park Chanyeol, if you were wondering-”
“No I’m not. Let go. And how did you know my name, you creep?” The shorter boy sternly said.
“I was wondering if we could go get some coffee.” Baekhyun was giving Chanyeol the look. He wasn’t sure if this nurse is deaf or if he was just plain playing around with him. There is something off about the smiley-man plus he keeps oozing creepy vibes and Baekhyun truthfully doesn’t want to spend any more time with him.
He continues to pry Chanyeol’s large hands from his arm. “NO. I said let go, didn’t I?”
The grip then suddenly got stronger and he winced from the pain. “H-hey!”
“If you don’t want anything to happen to your dad, you better keep quiet.” Chanyeol’s attitude change was evident as he whispered so very close to Baekhyun’s ear. He only realized now that he hates how Chanyeol’s voice sounds so deep and scary.
Baekhyun froze.
“Your dad, your brother…hmm…” The other continued to talk menacingly and he seemed to enjoy the terrified expression had on his face. “…who else do you want me to include?”
“Wha…What are you bluffing about?! My dad’s safe! Hyung can also take care of himself!” Baekhyun had this urge to slap the smile on the creeper’s face until he saw the identical bracelet he and his brother have. The bracelets were specially made for the two of them and he is positive the one Chanyeol’s carelessly waving right at his face is from his brother.
Baekhyun loves his brother very much and the fact that his safety was already compromised made breathing a chore again.
Baekhyun was already panicking when Chanyeol suddenly bit his ear hard. “Ah-!” The taller man was quick to put his hand on the other’s mouth. “Shhh.”
Okay. He is beyond terrified now. All he wanted to do is run away from Chanyeol and contact his dad and brother immediately.
For a second, Chanyeol’s hold weakened and the frightened patient used this opportunity to push his captor away and started to dash back to the annex. He left his inhaler back at his room and he might faint if he doesn’t get to it quickly.
He didn’t know what came over him, but he decided to quickly glance back at the tall, creepy nurse. The smirk plastered on his face made his heart beat faster in a bad way. Tears started falling. As he ran further away in his state, he could only think of one person he wished was here right now.
Lu Han hyung, help me!
Chapter 7: Lu Han's Side
Lu Han and Yixing ends up going to the basement parking of the hospital since it was deserted. Moreover, Yixing knows a blindspot where the CCTV won’t be able to catch them. This conversation isn’t exactly top secret classified but it just hit the nurse that maybe this would be a little confronting for Lu Han.
Throughout their walk towards this destination, Lu Han had calmed down and started to collect his thoughts. How should I start? How much should I tell him? His mind is plagued by questions that he couldn’t even begin to open his mouth.
Yixing sensed his hesitation and decided to be the first one to start.
“Lu Han,” he began. “I completely understand if you don’t want to tell me anything but I would just like to say that I’m sorry.”
Lu Han shifted his gaze straight into Yixing’s eyes. The latter then continued, “Thinking about it, I was a really pathetic friend. I’m sorry; I only fully realized when your patient asked me. I have so many things I regret doing and things I wish I’ve done…”
And surprisingly, at his friend’s words, Lu Han was struck with guilt. He made an awful assumption about everyone in his life just because of his experiences as a child:
Society is good only to those who are good.
Memories from the past came to Lu Han’s mind and he could still remember everything clearly. When he was young, he was known as the neighbourhood’s favourite. Everyone loved him and all the kids were his friend but his honesty got the better of him.
During a friend’s kiddie party, the birthday girl’s parents asked if Lu Han could give their daughter a peck on the cheeks. They thought they were cute together so they even requested him to do so in front of the guests.
At a young age of 6, it shouldn’t have been a big problem. Little kids do it all the time--an unintentional small kiss or peck here and there. Unfortunately, he didn’t. In front of everyone, he said that he didn’t want to kiss anyone who is sick and that it is disgusting.
It was a shocking statement for someone regarded as innocent and perfect. They managed to laugh it off but some of the local aunties already made a mental note of his ‘supposed’ foul mouth. Lu Han didn’t mean what he said in a bad way; blame it on his irresponsible choice of words! His parents told him that health is one of the most important things in this world and at the time, he was only thinking of that. He knew his friend had a cold so he refused.
Just not in the nicest means possible. And not in a way he really intended it to be.
Lu Han still couldn’t understand how unlucky he had been during his childhood but things went downhill from there. Every time he makes a straightforward comment, or when he fails a test, or even when he achieves something, the other kids’ parents translate this to being rude, rebellious or cocky.
Of course, he didn’t have the courage to speak for himself so he ignored their assumptions and continued to do his best in life. Deep inside he knew he was doing nothing wrong so everything should turn out well.
When he entered 3rd grade, though, the events in his life didn’t get any better. He hit someone on the head with a trophy because he strongly believed he didn’t deserve it. It was for his friend who was also in the math competition but didn’t have the courage to expose the other’s cheating.
Lu Han felt it wasn’t right for the first placer to brag about his trophy through cheats (and not to mention the fact that this person is a big bully as well) when he knew his friend studied day and night for it. During this time, Lu Han had found his voice and was braver so he did what he did because he thought it was right.
He was put in detention and most of his friends turned their backs on him. He heard reasons like he suddenly became violent and different. What hurt Lu Han the most was his ‘friends’ didn’t even ask for the truth.
The incident spread like wildfire and his reputation continued to worsen. In a state of confusion and indifference, Lu Han didn’t know what came to him but he added even more oil to the fire. He dyed his hair outrageous colors and even changed his fashion. He also acted a bit different intentionally.
Obviously, the people around him couldn’t accept him and ultimately, he convinced his parents to move to a different neighbourhood and school in Beijing.
Lu Han wanted to express himself without being misunderstood and when he finally had the chance to start fresh, he could only think of one solution.
He made a new identity for himself; the one where people will accept you because you’re perfect and good. It proved really effective for the remainder of his high school and college life.
By the time he met Yixing and everybody else for that matter, Lu Han was attentive to everything. He always made sure to act nice, to be nice and perfect. He feared that if he didn’t, everyone will turn their backs on him once again. No matter how annoying they are or how much he wanted to get out of the situation, he endured.
And because of this, Lu Han failed to see who Yixing truly was. He was too busy keeping his emotions in check and focusing on the bad sides of people that Lu Han didn’t truly get to know his best friend.
Maybe it was time for this game of pretend to be over. Maybe if he just gave this another chance, maybe life would turn out to finally be a bit better.
And so he told Yixing everything.
Baekhyun ran as fast as he could back to his room but it also worsened his difficulty in breathing. He slammed the door open, a tad harder than usual. He needs to find his inhaler quickly before something happens.
‘Where?! Where did hyung put it?’
He’s positive that the object is on top of his side table but it’s not there anymore. He dragged himself while panting heavily to the bathroom and searched the mirror cabinet. No luck.
Baekhyun clutched his chest as he shut his eyes tight. He leaned on the bathroom wall for support but it isn’t helpful in easing the pain. The inhaler has got to be somewhere in this room but being unable to breathe properly is hindering him from searching.
‘The intercom!’ A burst of hope came to Baekhyun when he thought of his last resort.
He took short and wobbly steps to the small device beside his bed but before he could press it, Baekhyun’s consciousness slipped away from him and he fell on the floor.
Baekhyun could only pray that he won’t die today.
“What?!” Yixing exclaimed. “I can’t believe you smacked someone in the head. I don’t wanna be friends with you anymore.” Despite the words, one could easily tell that it was a joke.
Lu Han frowned at the other nurse. “Hey, stop joking around…”
“I know, I know.” Yixing gave Lu Han a warm smile. “I should’ve asked you about this earlier in our friendship so then maybe you wouldn’t be so moody-moody.”
For more than one reason, Lu Han feels that a huge load has finally been lifted from his shoulders. Having told Yixing his past issues and being told of the other’s feelings, he thinks they’re closer to one another now.
“But really, I’m sorry for those times when we had our projects… It’s because you seemed really confident and looked like you didn’t needed help. I ended up making you do all those stuff. I’m really sorry, Lu Han!”
Yixing proceeded to give Lu Han a hug, which is then happily returned. The younger nurse then broke the hug to stare at Lu Han intently. “And whoever said I only befriended you just to hook up with girls is totally bull.”
Lu Han lightly laughed and gave him a nod. After exchanging their inner thoughts and feelings, they agreed that they’ll be more open with each other. And especially Lu Han, who needs to be more open to everyone from now on.
“I’ll try.”
They patted each other’s back and Lu Han suddenly realized something. “Baekhyun!”
He remembered that Baekhyun still hasn’t taken his medicine yet. “I gotta go. See you in a while, Yixing-ah!”
He ran back to the annex and up to the seventh floor. Lu Han is hoping that Baekhyun returned to his room because it’s going to be a big pain in the butt if he isn’t. Thanks to him, though, the burden in his past has somehow been lessened.
‘I really owe you this time…’
As he turned the corner, he saw the door of Room 701 open. He was sure he closed it after he and Yixing went out. ‘Does that mean he’s back?’
His eyes widened at what he saw when he peeked inside. “Baekhyun!”
Baekhyun is lying on the ground in a fetus-like position. Lu Han immediately ran to his side and checked the pulse from his wrist.
“Baekhyun! Hey! What are you doing? Get up!” His voice cracked from panicking. Lu Han mentally cursed and yelled at the unconscious boy. Being Baekhyun’s nurse for quite a while, it is easy to know that he likes pranks and jokes but this one, he can’t fake.
He hurriedly fixed Baekhyun’s position then placed a hand on the patient’s forehead and lifted his chin using two fingers. He put his ear near the younger’s nose while monitoring the rise and fall of his chest to check if he’s breathing.
Less than 10 seconds have passed and Lu Han reacted quickly to the situation.
He put his lips on Baekhyun’s soft ones and started giving him artificial respiration.
‘Baek, Wake up!’
“Luhan hates me and I’m scared how he doesn’t show it at all.”
“He never asks me for any favour. I’ve always been guilty about not giving him something in return.”
“I don’t want to lose Lu Han.”
Those were just a few things that Baekhyun told Lu Han. He thought that it’s better if the involved party sort it out themselves.
And instead of Yixing’s tears being caused by Baekhyun, it was Lu Han’s fault?
At the beginning, what the younger boy had in mind was to ask about things he knows about about Lu Han. He wanted to find out why he turned into a two-faced person. It turns out that Yixing noticed it too but continued to act the same.
‘Yixing-ah knew about it?’
“Next thing I know he’s already pouring his life story on me.” Baekhyun was surfing through the channels on TV as he recalled the happening. “You made Mr. Yixing cry a lot, you know.”
Lu Han still hasn’t uttered a word; different things crowding his mind at the moment.
“And since I’m your kind and cute patient, I’m gonna help you out!”
The older’s head snapped towards his patient’s direction and stared widely. “What sort of trouble are you getting me into now?”
Baekhyun switches off the TV and faces the other with resolve. “You will fix your issues with Yixing whether you like it or not.”
“I don’t have any issues.” He insisted.
“I won’t drink my medicine if you don’t listen to me.”
“I won’t listen to you if you don’t drink your medicine.”
They’re at a standstill, neither of them wanting to back down. Every cell of their body is showing how stubborn they are. Eventually, it became a staring and pouting contest.
Baekhyun is the first to close his eyes.
Victory!
“Ha! I win. Medicine. Now.”
“No you didn’t.” He wouldn’t be called Baekhyun if he didn’t have a trick or two up his sleeves. Thinking ahead is crucial.
A knock on the door interrupted the two. Lu Han glared at the boy in disbelief.
‘You called him?!’
‘You lose! You can’t do anything about it.’
‘But you blinked!’
‘It wasn’t even a staring contest!’
It was quite a sight to see them arguing in whispered voices with their arms flailing and using their eyes to communicate. Baekhyun stuck his tongue out and ran for the door.
“Heya Yixing-ah!” He gave him a meaningful pat and a warm smile. “Make this count.” He made sure only the other nurse heard it before running off to who-knows-where.
Thanks to Baekhyun (not really), Lu Han is stuck in this very awkward situation. This is what he’s been avoiding his whole life! A freaking confrontation!
Lu Han feels really uncomfortable and he knows his friend feels the same way.
“It looks like my patient got to you, huh?” The atmosphere is still tense. “You don’t have to mind him. I’ll escort you back to the station…”
The other man gulped and after a strong breath, looked Lu Han straight in the eye.
“I want to talk to you,”
It’s now Lu Han’s turn to feel a lump in his throat. Should he fear for the worst?
“…the real you.”
Lu Han didn’t know what to do. He had kept his true nature for a long time and opening up now won’t be some walk in the park.
‘What if Yixing gets angry at me? What if I hurt his feelings?’
These questions looped inside his mind and it shocks him that he was actually worried about this.
Maybe he wasn’t as indifferent and uncaring as he thought he was.
After strengthening his resolve, he finally agreed. Lu Han suggested they talk outside the hospital as it would be convenient for him and honestly, the image of two male nurses having a sincere heart-to-heart talk in a VIP’s room is strange.
Oh boy, this is gonna be a long day.
Killing two birds with one stone.
Baekhyun finally understands that idiom after all those years. Not only did he get out of his horribly boring room, he also gets to fix people’s problems!
Believe it or not, Baekhyun has taken a liking to Lu Han and this whole ‘piss-him-off-to-reveal-his-true-self’ scheme is just an old habit. Just like the saying-Baekhyun proudly remembers, old habits die hard.
Back when he was young, his dad would always be away on a business trip and having lost a mother didn’t help fill his longing. The two of them haven’t talked in a long time but once his father caught word of his humiliating “F” in an exam, he became furious and scolded Baekhyun for being a bad child.
The memories were so vivid, he can almost feel like it only happened yesterday. His father yelled at him for around ten minutes, the longest time they have ever conversed in about a year after his mom’s death. Well, almost, since the conversation was one-sided and all Baekhyun did was to be on the receiving end.
It didn’t bother or traumatize him though. In fact, he felt really happy more than anything else. He finally noticed me, his past self thought. It was a serious situation and he should have reflected on his mistake yet, he couldn’t help the urge to do it again.
He concluded that the more he did badly, the more people would pay attention to him. You could say he’s an attention-whore but at least it beats a dreadful caged life.
To add to the reason for his naughty attitude, other wealthy businessmen would send their sons or daughters to their place in hopes of securing a connection with him or his dad’s money.
It was so glaringly obvious that they were all a bunch of suck-ups and it would be Baekhyun’s pleasure to give them a hell of a time dealing with him.
Since then, it became his habit to do it to anyone; to their butlers, maids, company employees, anyone! He has embraced a life of troublemaking and he didn’t care what others would think of him.
He has a few exceptions, of course.
Being this his first time to set foot outside the hospital annex, Baekhyun has no idea where to start his adventure. Should he bother the nurses? Or maybe go outside the hospital? He bets no one knows who he is anyway so there shouldn’t be a commotion or anything.
After crossing the bridge between the buildings, Baekhyun catches a glimpse of a red-headed man heading out the large rotating doors. He strongly feels the person is someone he knows but as far as he’s concerned, he has no relatives or friends currently in Beijing. And if there is, they should’ve come to visit him in his room!
“Hey-” Before he could attempt to call the redhead, a tall figure blocks his way. Irritation was his initial reaction but it soon dissipated when he saw who it was.
“Hey, Baekhyun.” A set of white dents greeted him and it sent chills down his spine.
The shorter man unintentionally steps away from him. “Creep.” But that, he intended to say. He walks past him but the other clearly has other plans.
“What? Why are you running away? I haven’t done anything yet.” The man grabbed Baekhyun by the arm and he refrained himself from shouting there and then. The man’s grip was strong, even with his Hapkido prowess, he couldn’t shake him off.
“I’m Park Chanyeol, if you were wondering-”
“No I’m not. Let go. And how did you know my name, you creep?” The shorter boy sternly said.
“I was wondering if we could go get some coffee.” Baekhyun was giving Chanyeol the look. He wasn’t sure if this nurse is deaf or if he was just plain playing around with him. There is something off about the smiley-man plus he keeps oozing creepy vibes and Baekhyun truthfully doesn’t want to spend any more time with him.
He continues to pry Chanyeol’s large hands from his arm. “NO. I said let go, didn’t I?”
The grip then suddenly got stronger and he winced from the pain. “H-hey!”
“If you don’t want anything to happen to your dad, you better keep quiet.” Chanyeol’s attitude change was evident as he whispered so very close to Baekhyun’s ear. He only realized now that he hates how Chanyeol’s voice sounds so deep and scary.
Baekhyun froze.
“Your dad, your brother…hmm…” The other continued to talk menacingly and he seemed to enjoy the terrified expression had on his face. “…who else do you want me to include?”
“Wha…What are you bluffing about?! My dad’s safe! Hyung can also take care of himself!” Baekhyun had this urge to slap the smile on the creeper’s face until he saw the identical bracelet he and his brother have. The bracelets were specially made for the two of them and he is positive the one Chanyeol’s carelessly waving right at his face is from his brother.
Baekhyun loves his brother very much and the fact that his safety was already compromised made breathing a chore again.
Baekhyun was already panicking when Chanyeol suddenly bit his ear hard. “Ah-!” The taller man was quick to put his hand on the other’s mouth. “Shhh.”
Okay. He is beyond terrified now. All he wanted to do is run away from Chanyeol and contact his dad and brother immediately.
For a second, Chanyeol’s hold weakened and the frightened patient used this opportunity to push his captor away and started to dash back to the annex. He left his inhaler back at his room and he might faint if he doesn’t get to it quickly.
He didn’t know what came over him, but he decided to quickly glance back at the tall, creepy nurse. The smirk plastered on his face made his heart beat faster in a bad way. Tears started falling. As he ran further away in his state, he could only think of one person he wished was here right now.
Lu Han hyung, help me!
Chapter 7: Lu Han's Side
Lu Han and Yixing ends up going to the basement parking of the hospital since it was deserted. Moreover, Yixing knows a blindspot where the CCTV won’t be able to catch them. This conversation isn’t exactly top secret classified but it just hit the nurse that maybe this would be a little confronting for Lu Han.
Throughout their walk towards this destination, Lu Han had calmed down and started to collect his thoughts. How should I start? How much should I tell him? His mind is plagued by questions that he couldn’t even begin to open his mouth.
Yixing sensed his hesitation and decided to be the first one to start.
“Lu Han,” he began. “I completely understand if you don’t want to tell me anything but I would just like to say that I’m sorry.”
Lu Han shifted his gaze straight into Yixing’s eyes. The latter then continued, “Thinking about it, I was a really pathetic friend. I’m sorry; I only fully realized when your patient asked me. I have so many things I regret doing and things I wish I’ve done…”
And surprisingly, at his friend’s words, Lu Han was struck with guilt. He made an awful assumption about everyone in his life just because of his experiences as a child:
Society is good only to those who are good.
Memories from the past came to Lu Han’s mind and he could still remember everything clearly. When he was young, he was known as the neighbourhood’s favourite. Everyone loved him and all the kids were his friend but his honesty got the better of him.
During a friend’s kiddie party, the birthday girl’s parents asked if Lu Han could give their daughter a peck on the cheeks. They thought they were cute together so they even requested him to do so in front of the guests.
At a young age of 6, it shouldn’t have been a big problem. Little kids do it all the time--an unintentional small kiss or peck here and there. Unfortunately, he didn’t. In front of everyone, he said that he didn’t want to kiss anyone who is sick and that it is disgusting.
It was a shocking statement for someone regarded as innocent and perfect. They managed to laugh it off but some of the local aunties already made a mental note of his ‘supposed’ foul mouth. Lu Han didn’t mean what he said in a bad way; blame it on his irresponsible choice of words! His parents told him that health is one of the most important things in this world and at the time, he was only thinking of that. He knew his friend had a cold so he refused.
Just not in the nicest means possible. And not in a way he really intended it to be.
Lu Han still couldn’t understand how unlucky he had been during his childhood but things went downhill from there. Every time he makes a straightforward comment, or when he fails a test, or even when he achieves something, the other kids’ parents translate this to being rude, rebellious or cocky.
Of course, he didn’t have the courage to speak for himself so he ignored their assumptions and continued to do his best in life. Deep inside he knew he was doing nothing wrong so everything should turn out well.
When he entered 3rd grade, though, the events in his life didn’t get any better. He hit someone on the head with a trophy because he strongly believed he didn’t deserve it. It was for his friend who was also in the math competition but didn’t have the courage to expose the other’s cheating.
Lu Han felt it wasn’t right for the first placer to brag about his trophy through cheats (and not to mention the fact that this person is a big bully as well) when he knew his friend studied day and night for it. During this time, Lu Han had found his voice and was braver so he did what he did because he thought it was right.
He was put in detention and most of his friends turned their backs on him. He heard reasons like he suddenly became violent and different. What hurt Lu Han the most was his ‘friends’ didn’t even ask for the truth.
The incident spread like wildfire and his reputation continued to worsen. In a state of confusion and indifference, Lu Han didn’t know what came to him but he added even more oil to the fire. He dyed his hair outrageous colors and even changed his fashion. He also acted a bit different intentionally.
Obviously, the people around him couldn’t accept him and ultimately, he convinced his parents to move to a different neighbourhood and school in Beijing.
Lu Han wanted to express himself without being misunderstood and when he finally had the chance to start fresh, he could only think of one solution.
He made a new identity for himself; the one where people will accept you because you’re perfect and good. It proved really effective for the remainder of his high school and college life.
By the time he met Yixing and everybody else for that matter, Lu Han was attentive to everything. He always made sure to act nice, to be nice and perfect. He feared that if he didn’t, everyone will turn their backs on him once again. No matter how annoying they are or how much he wanted to get out of the situation, he endured.
And because of this, Lu Han failed to see who Yixing truly was. He was too busy keeping his emotions in check and focusing on the bad sides of people that Lu Han didn’t truly get to know his best friend.
Maybe it was time for this game of pretend to be over. Maybe if he just gave this another chance, maybe life would turn out to finally be a bit better.
And so he told Yixing everything.
Baekhyun ran as fast as he could back to his room but it also worsened his difficulty in breathing. He slammed the door open, a tad harder than usual. He needs to find his inhaler quickly before something happens.
‘Where?! Where did hyung put it?’
He’s positive that the object is on top of his side table but it’s not there anymore. He dragged himself while panting heavily to the bathroom and searched the mirror cabinet. No luck.
Baekhyun clutched his chest as he shut his eyes tight. He leaned on the bathroom wall for support but it isn’t helpful in easing the pain. The inhaler has got to be somewhere in this room but being unable to breathe properly is hindering him from searching.
‘The intercom!’ A burst of hope came to Baekhyun when he thought of his last resort.
He took short and wobbly steps to the small device beside his bed but before he could press it, Baekhyun’s consciousness slipped away from him and he fell on the floor.
Baekhyun could only pray that he won’t die today.
“What?!” Yixing exclaimed. “I can’t believe you smacked someone in the head. I don’t wanna be friends with you anymore.” Despite the words, one could easily tell that it was a joke.
Lu Han frowned at the other nurse. “Hey, stop joking around…”
“I know, I know.” Yixing gave Lu Han a warm smile. “I should’ve asked you about this earlier in our friendship so then maybe you wouldn’t be so moody-moody.”
For more than one reason, Lu Han feels that a huge load has finally been lifted from his shoulders. Having told Yixing his past issues and being told of the other’s feelings, he thinks they’re closer to one another now.
“But really, I’m sorry for those times when we had our projects… It’s because you seemed really confident and looked like you didn’t needed help. I ended up making you do all those stuff. I’m really sorry, Lu Han!”
Yixing proceeded to give Lu Han a hug, which is then happily returned. The younger nurse then broke the hug to stare at Lu Han intently. “And whoever said I only befriended you just to hook up with girls is totally bull.”
Lu Han lightly laughed and gave him a nod. After exchanging their inner thoughts and feelings, they agreed that they’ll be more open with each other. And especially Lu Han, who needs to be more open to everyone from now on.
“I’ll try.”
They patted each other’s back and Lu Han suddenly realized something. “Baekhyun!”
He remembered that Baekhyun still hasn’t taken his medicine yet. “I gotta go. See you in a while, Yixing-ah!”
He ran back to the annex and up to the seventh floor. Lu Han is hoping that Baekhyun returned to his room because it’s going to be a big pain in the butt if he isn’t. Thanks to him, though, the burden in his past has somehow been lessened.
‘I really owe you this time…’
As he turned the corner, he saw the door of Room 701 open. He was sure he closed it after he and Yixing went out. ‘Does that mean he’s back?’
His eyes widened at what he saw when he peeked inside. “Baekhyun!”
Baekhyun is lying on the ground in a fetus-like position. Lu Han immediately ran to his side and checked the pulse from his wrist.
“Baekhyun! Hey! What are you doing? Get up!” His voice cracked from panicking. Lu Han mentally cursed and yelled at the unconscious boy. Being Baekhyun’s nurse for quite a while, it is easy to know that he likes pranks and jokes but this one, he can’t fake.
He hurriedly fixed Baekhyun’s position then placed a hand on the patient’s forehead and lifted his chin using two fingers. He put his ear near the younger’s nose while monitoring the rise and fall of his chest to check if he’s breathing.
Less than 10 seconds have passed and Lu Han reacted quickly to the situation.
He put his lips on Baekhyun’s soft ones and started giving him artificial respiration.
‘Baek, Wake up!’